Lesson Plan

Decision-Making Models to Solve Problems

Grade Level: 6-12

Length: 45-60 minutes

DE Domain: SD

  • Applying decision-making models to solve problems.
  • Engage in collaborative problem-solving exercises.

Students will gain practical experience applying structured decision-making models to real-world problems, enhancing their ability to analyze situations systematically, generate creative solutions, and evaluate options objectively. Through collaborative problem-solving exercises, they will develop skills essential for making thoughtful decisions in academic, personal, and future professional contexts.

SD.3- Generate and develop significantly different and criteria-aligned decision options.

Lesson:

Engage (10-15 minutes):

  • Explain that today’s activity will involve solving problem puzzles to encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Distribute one problem puzzle or scenario to each student.
  • Instruct students to work individually or in pairs to analyze the scenario and brainstorm possible solutions.
  • Open the floor for students to share their solutions and thought processes.
  • Encourage students to consider multiple angles and solutions for each problem.
  • Conclude the activity by mentioning that in the upcoming sessions, they will learn about decision-making models that provide structured approaches to solving problems.
  • Explain that these models can help guide their decision-making process and enhance their problem-solving skills.

Apply (35 minutes):

Direct instruction (15 Minutes)

Decision Making Models Slides 

Activity 1 (20 Minutes)

  • Ask students to choose a decision-making model they would like to apply to a real-life problem.
  • Distribute real-life problem scenarios to each student or small group.

Model Application

  • Instruct students to use the decision-making model they selected to analyze the problem and make a decision.
  • Use the decision making structure to help make a final decision

Discussion in groups

  • Form small groups based on the decision-making models chosen.
  • Allow each group to share their problem scenario, their chosen model, and the decision they reached.
  • Facilitate a discussion on the strengths and limitations of each model in solving different types of problems.

Reflect (5-10 minutes):

  • Discuss how different models were applied, what insights were gained, and how results differed based on the chosen model.

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